ingredients and preparation
Creating delicious air fryer donuts at home is a delightful experience that combines the joy of baking with the convenience of modern kitchen technology. To get started, you’ll need a selection of simple ingredients that come together to form the perfect dough. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your donut dough, providing structure and texture.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough, giving the donuts their classic taste.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder – Essential for helping the donuts rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup of milk – Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and a tender crumb to the donuts.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the structure of the dough.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the dough. Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well blended. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape the donuts later. While the dough is resting, you can prepare your air fryer by preheating it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for the next step in the donut-making process.
step-by-step cooking guide
With your dough rested and your air fryer preheated, it’s time to shape and cook your donuts. Begin by lightly flouring a clean work surface and turning the dough out onto it. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as this can result in flat donuts.
Next, use a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to cut out donut shapes from the dough. If you don’t have a donut cutter, a large glass and a smaller bottle cap can work as substitutes. Gather any scraps of dough, gently knead them together, and roll them out again to cut more donuts.
Once your donuts are cut, carefully place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching or overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the donuts with cooking spray to help them achieve a golden-brown finish.
Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the donuts to ensure even cooking on both sides. The donuts should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
While the donuts are cooking, you can prepare any toppings or glazes you wish to use. Classic options include a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a cinnamon-sugar coating. For the glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. For cinnamon sugar, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
Once the donuts are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. While they are still warm, dip them in your chosen glaze or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
tips for perfect donuts
Achieving the perfect air fryer donuts requires a few key tips and tricks to ensure they come out light, fluffy, and delicious every time. Here are some expert tips to help you master the art of air fryer donut making:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for about 10 minutes before shaping helps relax the gluten, making it easier to handle and resulting in a more tender donut.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent texture and color in your donuts.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the donuts in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air to circulate freely. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the donuts to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. This step is essential for a uniform golden-brown finish.
- Use Cooking Spray Sparingly: A light spray of cooking oil on the tops of the donuts helps them achieve a beautiful golden color. Be careful not to use too much, as it can make the donuts greasy.
- Experiment with Flavors: While classic glazes and cinnamon sugar are popular, don’t hesitate to try different toppings like chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist.
- Serve Fresh: Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but note that they may lose some of their initial crispness.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating air fryer donuts that are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste!